How to Tie a Swiss Seat Rappel Harness

A Swiss seat rappel harness is a simple harness made from a piece of rope or webbing. It is good for those who need to make a harness on the fly, or for those who don't want to buy a commercially made harness.

Find the center of the rope by folding it in half and going to the fold. Place the fold in the center of your lower back, ends out to either side of your body so that you're holding an equal length in each hand.

Cross the halves in front of you so that it wraps around your waist. Pull one side under the other to make a half hitch. Repeat so that the rope turns twice around itself. This will eventually be where the carabiner is placed and it keeps the rope from pinching down on your testicles (if you have them). Drop both of the free ends so that they dangle in front of you (probably touching the ground).

Reach around the outside of your legs with both hands and pull the free ends behind you through your legs. Pass each free end up through the portion of the rope wrapped around your waist. The free ends should now be between your body and your 'belt'.

Place the free ends over your shoulders so that the ends are dangling down in front of your chest, one on each side.

Pull down on these as you squat. This is an important step as this is what will tighten your harness. Stand up and squat several times while pulling on the free ends. You should feel it squeeze you between your legs – make sure key parts are not between the rope and your leg.

For both sides, maintaining tension on the free end, drop it behind your back and pass it behind the length of rope that cups your bum, from back to front. This binds the seat in place. Pull the free end towards your front, along your hips.

Place any excess rope out of the way in a deep left pocket (cargo pants are an asset) if you have one, and if your knot is on the left. Make sure that the rope is in a place that it won't interfere with your carabiner during a rappel.

If it doesn't hurt when you're putting it on than your doing it wrong. The tighter it is before getting on the rope the safer it will be and less pain you will have while on the rope. Nothing is worse than getting halfway down a line and a "key part" get injured due to a loose seat.

Care for your rope. Don't step on it, don't store it when wet, don't spill fuels or other chemicals on it. Don't leave it in the sun for long periods, and untie tight knots before storing as they reduce the tensile strength of the rope.

Always test your harness before using at any height. Pull up on the carabiner until your whole weight is supported. Or, have your friend lift you up by the carabiner and shake. Your harness, although probably not comfortable, should not be too loose, pinch your manly parts, or slip.

Rope. Approx 6-10 ft (182-304 cm) length depending on your size. Most ropes used for Swiss seats are braided hemp , 550 paracord, or other natural fiber rope. The rope should be clean and new, and rated to support at least two times your body weight, preferably more. Diameter should be approx 12-16mm.

Carabiner. This is to be rated and approved for climbing and supporting a human's body weight. Must have a lockable gate.

Leather gloves. Although this is not a lesson in climbing you must protect your hands when rappelling; there will be a lot of friction, heat, and the possibility of particles in the rope as it passes through your hands. Or, you can use a simple pair of mechanic's gloves.